Virtual Setup Tips
- Stable internet connection
- Zoom installed & tested
- Quiet space for participation
- Notebook ready
- Camera on encouraged!
- Accessible statewide
Virtual Check-In & Welcome
The summit opens with a virtual welcome as students join from across Washington and beyond. Statewide youth leaders introduce the goals of the day and guide participants through brief icebreakers designed to build connections and set expectations for an engaging, interactive experience.
Icebreaker
Students participate in short, interactive activities and breakout rooms that encourage conversation, collaboration, and relationship-building in a virtual setting.
Guest Speaker: Anjali Verma @ Stanford University
Anjali Verma, a nationally recognized youth civic leader, shares her journey in public service and civic engagement. Drawing from her experience as a former United States Senate Youth Program delegate and young elected official, she will speak about the power of student voice, pathways into leadership, and how young people can create meaningful change at the local, state, and national levels. Anjali is a first-year Public Policy major at Stanford University.
Workshop Series (Breakout Rooms)
Choose ONE interactive workshop to attend:
Democracy 101: How Government Works
An introduction to the structure and function of government, led by student leaders, focused on building foundational civic knowledge.
Advocacy 101: Finding Your Issue
Led by the League of Education Voters, this session helps students identify issues they care about and understand how to turn concerns into advocacy action.
Building Your Advocacy Toolkit
A skills-based workshop led by AWSL Director James Layman, focused on organizing, messaging, and practical tools for effective advocacy.
BREAK
Students take a short break to recharge before the final sessions of the summit.
Rotating Panels
Join rotating panels in breakout rooms:
Panel A: Meet Your Legislators
This interactive panel features elected officials from both parties alongside legislative staff, including T’Wina Nobles, Senator Torres, and Megan Wargacki. Panelists discuss their work, how legislation is shaped, and answer student questions in a moderated Q&A.
Panel B: Civic Education Today: Where Are We Now?
Featuring Jodi Sandfort, Dean of the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, this session explores the state of civic education in the U.S., its challenges, and opportunities for strengthening youth engagement.
Closing Session: From Learning to Action & Future Goals
The summit concludes with reflections from youth and AWSL alumni on continued civic engagement beyond high school. Students receive resources for staying involved in advocacy and civic leadership, along with a collective closing moment to mark the experience.
Why Join Virtually?
Accessible Statewide
Join from anywhere in Washington - no travel required
Connect with Leaders
Network with legislators, students, and educators virtually
Interactive Learning
Hands-on workshops, simulations, and breakout discussions
Ready to Participate Virtually?
Join from anywhere in Washington State on February 21st.